Breakbulk Cargo

Breakbulk cargo refers to goods shipped individually rather than in containers, often too large or irregular to fit in standard boxes.

Examples: Steel coils, wind turbine blades, or heavy machinery shipped piece by piece.

Advantages: Allows oversized or non-containerized cargo to be transported globally.

Challenges: Requires more handling, higher labor costs, and longer loading times compared to containerized freight.

Real-world example: Ports like Houston and Antwerp specialize in breakbulk terminals for industrial cargo.

Explain like I’m five: It’s like carrying your toys one by one instead of putting them all in a backpack.

FAQ: Why use breakbulk shipping? When cargo is too big, heavy, or awkward for containers.

Bottom line: Breakbulk cargo enables trade of oversized goods, but it’s slower and more expensive than container shipping.